The German-American Society of Tulsa is pleased to announce Artfest 2023! The event dates are September 16th, 10am - 5pm, and September 17th, 12pm - 5pm, at the GAST Event Center. The center is located in the heart of midtown Tulsa, just one block west of Lewis, at 15th Street and Terrace Drive.
2023 is Artfest’s third year at the German-American Society of Tulsa and it is shaping up to be fantastic, with over fifteen unique artists exhibiting and selling during the event. There will be painting, woodworking, pottery, glass, mosaic, textiles, ceramic, jewelry, and assemblage art. A silent auction will take place again this year and there will also be people’s choice awards given. Parking and admission are free.
Dates & Times
September 16 : 10 am to 5pm
September 17: Noon to 5pm
Location
GAST Event Center: 2301 E 15th Street in Tulsa
Parking: In the lot connected to the event center
Refreshments
Beer and wine sold by the glass at the GAST Bar
Silent Auction
Held throughout the event, winners announced Sunday
Featured Artists
Ayden Krzmarzick
I started exploring pottery in my sophomore year of high school after an introduction to it in art class. Since then, I've continued exploring the art and making a wide variety of works on the wheel. I enjoy experimenting and formulating my own glazes. Depending on how they are applied determines how they look when fired. Most of my pieces are stoneware but some are pit fire as well. I like to fire between cone 6 and 10. My work is inspired by many things, and I approach every piece differently. Sometimes that approach includes a plan and a theme for a piece. Other times the clay guides me into what it ought to be. I share and work out of a pottery shed with my friend Joseph in my backyard. After convincing my parents to let us use it for our pottery wheels, we've steadily converted it into a workable space for both of us.
Joseph Clayton
I am a potter from Sand Springs, Oklahoma. I enjoy looking to the past for inspiration and forms. Some of my more recent works are inspired by Japanese culture and heritage as well as their processes in making pottery. I like incorporating local materials into my pots by digging for my own clay and adding natural materials like shell into my pieces. This provides a connection between me, my pots, and the land. My pots also have a root in functional and I would like them to be useful in daily life for beauty and utility. I hope to travel abroad after high school to further my education in pottery and gain mastery in the craft. Currently I work out of the pottery shed my friend Ayden and I converted after pruchasing our pottery wheels.
Artists
Painting
Jan Heffner
Jan expressed an interest in art at a young age and painted her first canvas at the early age of five. Although she enjoyed art, she was fascinated by the medical field and dreamed of becoming a nurse. As she began to earn placements and acknowledgements for her art in elementary school through high school new opportunities and different avenues began to emerge. As life always takes those unexpected turns, she embraced the encouragement from her high school art teachers she took that leap of faith, held onto the wheel and steered down a different road full of artistic hopes and dreams.
Continuing her art studies at North Texas was the next road she traveled. Years later full of energy and artistic ideas she arrived in Tulsa ready to make her mark. She started a painting business creating faux finishes, old-world textures, embellishments of all styles, and painted large to small wall murals in client’s homes. The murals usually captured the personal stories of clients depicting special scenic locations from their travels, duplicating objects of art they enjoyed, or simply creating a special tranquil room where they could escape.
Thirty some years later and exhausted from climbing ladders, she retired to her studio to return to sizable canvases that required no ladders to climb. Oil on canvas, boards, or panels is her preferred medium. After years of painting only landscapes, she embraced new challenges. Subject include people, birds, and still life.
The importance of capturing an emotion on canvas for the viewer is essential in an effort to take their mind on a journey. Enjoy the journey!
Continuing her art studies at North Texas was the next road she traveled. Years later full of energy and artistic ideas she arrived in Tulsa ready to make her mark. She started a painting business creating faux finishes, old-world textures, embellishments of all styles, and painted large to small wall murals in client’s homes. The murals usually captured the personal stories of clients depicting special scenic locations from their travels, duplicating objects of art they enjoyed, or simply creating a special tranquil room where they could escape.
Thirty some years later and exhausted from climbing ladders, she retired to her studio to return to sizable canvases that required no ladders to climb. Oil on canvas, boards, or panels is her preferred medium. After years of painting only landscapes, she embraced new challenges. Subject include people, birds, and still life.
The importance of capturing an emotion on canvas for the viewer is essential in an effort to take their mind on a journey. Enjoy the journey!
Jan McKay
Jan McKay is a native of England, moved to Australia, now living and working as an artist in the United States. With 26 years experience as an Interior Designer, Jan developed a natural eye for beauty and design, which has translated into her paintings.
With the tragic death of her daughter in 2008, Jan’s focus shifted from designer to artist. Her daughter Stephanie was talented in many areas, and took private art lessons for 3 yrs. After her passing, the art teacher suggested that Jan try art, and she did. Learning under her daughter’s instructor, Jan discovered her love of art. The themes of her wildlife paintings reflect the love of mother and child.
Her paintings of wildlife, pets, and nature, are the perfect subjects to display the beauty of creation, and the love we have been given from above.
Jan’s passion for Nature isn’t only on canvas, she is also a federally licensed Wild Bird Rehabber. She has nursed Scissor tail flycatchers, Cardinals, Robins, Mockingbirds, Blue Jays, and Blue Birds, just to name a few. During breeding season taking care of all of the baby birds that people rescue becomes a full time job. She says it’s a labor of love to help nature survive and being able to release them to thrive the way nature intended.
With the tragic death of her daughter in 2008, Jan’s focus shifted from designer to artist. Her daughter Stephanie was talented in many areas, and took private art lessons for 3 yrs. After her passing, the art teacher suggested that Jan try art, and she did. Learning under her daughter’s instructor, Jan discovered her love of art. The themes of her wildlife paintings reflect the love of mother and child.
Her paintings of wildlife, pets, and nature, are the perfect subjects to display the beauty of creation, and the love we have been given from above.
Jan’s passion for Nature isn’t only on canvas, she is also a federally licensed Wild Bird Rehabber. She has nursed Scissor tail flycatchers, Cardinals, Robins, Mockingbirds, Blue Jays, and Blue Birds, just to name a few. During breeding season taking care of all of the baby birds that people rescue becomes a full time job. She says it’s a labor of love to help nature survive and being able to release them to thrive the way nature intended.
Rick Wisdom
At a young age mom decided that all of her children should learn a musical instrument. After a year of lessons, I expressed that I would rather take art lessons. So, my parents enrolled me in lessons at Spiva art center in Joplin MO. Where I grew up. From then on art was my goal. After a brief time in college. Art major of course. I decided college was not for me. So, I came home to Tulsa and started adulthood. Since then, I have taken many art lessons and workshops. So, to this day I continue my art. One of the highlights of my life. So, when someone wants a piece of my artwork. That touches my very soul.
Elizabeth Markley
My name is Elizabeth Markley and I am artist living in Tulsa , Oklahoma. I am a retired Tulsa Public School Teacher , teaching art and music for ten years and in the elementary classroom for 26 years. I enjoy painting pastels as well as oils and have done several portraits as well as landscape commissions. Please find my art on my website www.emarkleyart.com .
Like my page emarkleyart on Facebook and follow emarkleyart on Instagram.
Like my page emarkleyart on Facebook and follow emarkleyart on Instagram.
Artists
Hand Woven Baskets
Janet Newman
Janet started weaving baskets in 2003 and it changed her life forever. She routinely teaches at guild meetings and in her home studio. Janet sells her baskets at the Sky Gallery in Tulsa. While new to teaching at retreats, Janet finds the challenge of meeting the needs of more weavers exciting and challenging. Janet believes that everyone can learn to weave baskets if taught one step at a time. She likes to teach technique and hand placement. One of her greatest joys is going into a women’s prison to teach her love of weaving to ladies who may not have otherwise been exposed to creating with their hands. Now retired, Janet tries to weave every day to develop her skills of creating her own designs. Janet loves little baskets and believes any big basket can be made in miniature form. Janet also likes to weave with plants found in nature and Nantucket style baskets are her newest interest.
Artists
Ceramics
Cristiana Prado
I was born and raised in Salvador, Brazil. My sense of identity has been formed fundamentally by my relationship to my native culture. My inspiration to create my art comes from my fascination for African art and its symbolism very present in Salvador, a city full of mysticism and syncretism of religions. Also, I get inspiration from my strong connection with nature. Living in this country for many years has embodied my creative process to come to term with my origins to create an artistic archive of my cultural heritage. I create ceramic pieces to make my art the best language between me and my culture.
In Brazil, I graduated with a degree in architecture, which I feel gave me a good foundation as an artist. I then moved to the US in 1999. At TU, I attained a BFA in 2006, and a MA in 2009, both in printmaking. In 2013, I obtained a MFA in ceramic arts.
During my career, I have exhibited my ceramic pieces in Brazil and the US. I participate in online and in person shows, have been the recipient of a few awards and am very active in the local art community.
In Brazil, I graduated with a degree in architecture, which I feel gave me a good foundation as an artist. I then moved to the US in 1999. At TU, I attained a BFA in 2006, and a MA in 2009, both in printmaking. In 2013, I obtained a MFA in ceramic arts.
During my career, I have exhibited my ceramic pieces in Brazil and the US. I participate in online and in person shows, have been the recipient of a few awards and am very active in the local art community.
Artists
Woodworking
John Rylko
John Rylko is a highly skilled and passionate artisan specializing in the art of woodworking, with a specific
focus on crafting exceptional cutting boards and incorporating mesmerizing epoxy resin designs. With an
unwavering dedication to his craft and a deep appreciation for the beauty and functionality of wooden
objects, he has honed his skills over years of practice and experimentation. His expertise lies in the
meticulous selection of wood species, precision cutting techniques, and the artful fusion of wood and
epoxy, resulting in stunning and functional pieces that elevate everyday kitchen essentials to works of
art.
At the heart of John's creations are his exquisite cutting boards. He understands that a cutting board is more than just a kitchen tool; it is an essential piece that deserves the utmost atention to detail. John craftes each cutting board with a commitment to quality and durability. The carefully selected wood species not only provide a sturdy surface for slicing and dicing but also showcase the natural beauty of the grains, colors, and textures. With seamless joinery and a refined finish, every cutting board becomes a functional artwork that enhances the culinary experience and adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
In addition to his cutting boards, John incorporates epoxy resin into his creations, opening up a world of endless possibilities. With a keen eye for design and a mastery of epoxy techniques, he infuses vibrant pigments, captivating paterns, and translucent effects into his wooden boards. The combination of wood and epoxy brings a modern and contemporary touch to traditional woodworking, resulting in eyecatching pieces that bridge the gap between functionality and artistry. From river-inspired designs to abstract compositions, John pushes the boundaries of creativity, creating boards that are not only practical but also visually stunning.
John welcomes commissions and regularly works with clients to bring their ideas to life
At the heart of John's creations are his exquisite cutting boards. He understands that a cutting board is more than just a kitchen tool; it is an essential piece that deserves the utmost atention to detail. John craftes each cutting board with a commitment to quality and durability. The carefully selected wood species not only provide a sturdy surface for slicing and dicing but also showcase the natural beauty of the grains, colors, and textures. With seamless joinery and a refined finish, every cutting board becomes a functional artwork that enhances the culinary experience and adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.
In addition to his cutting boards, John incorporates epoxy resin into his creations, opening up a world of endless possibilities. With a keen eye for design and a mastery of epoxy techniques, he infuses vibrant pigments, captivating paterns, and translucent effects into his wooden boards. The combination of wood and epoxy brings a modern and contemporary touch to traditional woodworking, resulting in eyecatching pieces that bridge the gap between functionality and artistry. From river-inspired designs to abstract compositions, John pushes the boundaries of creativity, creating boards that are not only practical but also visually stunning.
John welcomes commissions and regularly works with clients to bring their ideas to life
Patrick Collins
Biography
Patrick has been a woodturner since 2010. He specializes in turning old tree cuttings into beautiful works of art that take the form of vases, bowls, and pens. His work has been on display in art galleries in Kansas City and Tulsa. Currently, Lovett’s Gallery in Tulsa is displaying some of his unique and beautiful vases. He was named wood turner of the year in 2017 by the Northeast Oklahoma Woodturners. When Patrick’s not busy in his workshop, he’s participating in art shows from South Carolina to Iowa.
Artist Statement
I use a variety of wood – cherry, maple, walnut, to name a few – that is mostly given to me by tree cutting businesses. I re-purpose the wood into vases, bowls and pens that would otherwise be turned into chips or taken to Tulsa’s green waste yard. Once people know what you do, they’ll call and ask if you want wood. They like seeing it turned into something. It’s a unique way to recycle.
Patrick has been a woodturner since 2010. He specializes in turning old tree cuttings into beautiful works of art that take the form of vases, bowls, and pens. His work has been on display in art galleries in Kansas City and Tulsa. Currently, Lovett’s Gallery in Tulsa is displaying some of his unique and beautiful vases. He was named wood turner of the year in 2017 by the Northeast Oklahoma Woodturners. When Patrick’s not busy in his workshop, he’s participating in art shows from South Carolina to Iowa.
Artist Statement
I use a variety of wood – cherry, maple, walnut, to name a few – that is mostly given to me by tree cutting businesses. I re-purpose the wood into vases, bowls and pens that would otherwise be turned into chips or taken to Tulsa’s green waste yard. Once people know what you do, they’ll call and ask if you want wood. They like seeing it turned into something. It’s a unique way to recycle.
David Grosshans
Biography
When David retired from a 30+ career as a financial advisor, he focused his energy and creativity on his long-time interest in woodworking. While he has completed many woodworking projects over the years, today he specializes in fractal burning, which is a technique of using high voltage electricity to burn lightning images on wood surfaces.
Artist Statement
Most people would want to do as little as possible after working for 30 years, but not me. I’m a very creative person who can’t sit still for long periods of time. I built a workshop at my home and spend many hours building and creating things from wood. Fractal burning is a technique I use on most of my work, which includes tables, benches, trays, crosses, wine glass holders and napkin holders to name a few. I also work with customers to create unique, custom pieces of art for their home.
When David retired from a 30+ career as a financial advisor, he focused his energy and creativity on his long-time interest in woodworking. While he has completed many woodworking projects over the years, today he specializes in fractal burning, which is a technique of using high voltage electricity to burn lightning images on wood surfaces.
Artist Statement
Most people would want to do as little as possible after working for 30 years, but not me. I’m a very creative person who can’t sit still for long periods of time. I built a workshop at my home and spend many hours building and creating things from wood. Fractal burning is a technique I use on most of my work, which includes tables, benches, trays, crosses, wine glass holders and napkin holders to name a few. I also work with customers to create unique, custom pieces of art for their home.
Artists
Aluminum Photography
Susan Foust
Susan Palmer Foust is a local Tulsa photographer who is originally from New York. Her professional career began with a series of photos taken while in a drive-through car wash. She had her first solo show at the Dennis R. Neil Equality Center in Tulsa in 2013.
Her photos transform subjects from the "everyday" into new visions. Susan's goal is to try to use photography to renew people's perceptions of the hidden beauty in their modern daily lives.
Her subjects began with strong architectural, botanical and industrial works that are then morphed and saturated with color. Her art is on aluminum sheets which have a deep luminescence.
As a member of Alpha Tau Rho, Tulsa Artist's Coalition, Living Arts, and OVAC, Susan firmly planted in Tulsa and has been active in studio and gallery exhibitions here. She hopes to expand her business into the region.
Her photos transform subjects from the "everyday" into new visions. Susan's goal is to try to use photography to renew people's perceptions of the hidden beauty in their modern daily lives.
Her subjects began with strong architectural, botanical and industrial works that are then morphed and saturated with color. Her art is on aluminum sheets which have a deep luminescence.
As a member of Alpha Tau Rho, Tulsa Artist's Coalition, Living Arts, and OVAC, Susan firmly planted in Tulsa and has been active in studio and gallery exhibitions here. She hopes to expand her business into the region.
Artists
Glass
Claire Zevnik
Biography / Artist Statement
I am a retired educator who is a glass artist. My company is called Figments of Imagination and I create both functional and decorative art by fusing glass. I have several kilns in which I fire my pieces and basically have an addiction to glass. I have been working with fused glass for over 25 years and love the medium. I offer my work at art shows and in several retail locations including Plenty Mercantile in Oklahoma City and the Sky Gallery and Philbrook Museum Store in Tulsa.
I am a retired educator who is a glass artist. My company is called Figments of Imagination and I create both functional and decorative art by fusing glass. I have several kilns in which I fire my pieces and basically have an addiction to glass. I have been working with fused glass for over 25 years and love the medium. I offer my work at art shows and in several retail locations including Plenty Mercantile in Oklahoma City and the Sky Gallery and Philbrook Museum Store in Tulsa.
Brandi Hines
Brandi Lee-Hines is a business owner, wife and mother of six. A third-generation stained glass
artist, she is the first of that legacy to turn her art into a full-time career. Brandi creates and sells
her own pieces, teaches others and sells supplies. Agitsi Stained Glass was born in 2017 in
Brandi’s shed. The next year, she moved to a shared rental space. At the end of 2019 and
beginning of 2020, she added supply sales and moved into her own studio in Sand Springs,
Oklahoma. By 2022, she had outgrown the space. Brandi moved in January 2023 to her current
studio in the Route 66 Art District. She has been featured on Good Morning America and
Discover Oklahoma. She is president of the Stained Glass Guild of Oklahoma. In 2022, Agitsi
Stained Glass was voted No. 1 Arts Organization, Best in the Burbs by the Tulsa World.
Artists
Jewelry & Bead Work
Desiree Kelsch
I grew up around art. We were always pushing my mom’s latest art project aside to eat dinner. My mom nurtured my creative side as a young child. I did my first craft show at age 7 with my own little handmade necklaces. I continued to create through my life, dreaming of being an artist, but became a graphic artist because you could actually make a living doing that rather than ending up a “starving artist.” But as I got older, that siren song of being a maker lured me back. My mom is gone now but I’d like to say she is my muse, always encouraging me to continue my journey to create art.
“Art is when you feel a knocking at your soul and you answer it.” - Star Riches
I continue to answer the knock at that door every day, eagerly looking forward to what might be on the other side.
“Art is when you feel a knocking at your soul and you answer it.” - Star Riches
I continue to answer the knock at that door every day, eagerly looking forward to what might be on the other side.
LeAndrea Arviso
Native Junebug, LeAndrea Arviso, specializes in crafting necklaces, bracelets, ghost beads, turquoise & sterling silver jewelry, hand painted pottery, artifacts and traditional ribbon skirts. Each piece is unique and handmade with the utmost care and attention to detail. Creating with materials from the Navajo Nation and surrounding areas.
As a child born and raised on the Navajo reservation I grew to love and appreciate art. As a teenager I realized that I had a gift, winning in art contests and painting some of the largest pieces of art I have ever made. "You can never say you don't have a job or money..." my Mother use to tell me growing up. As a adult now with my own family I understood what she meant. Having a gift and knowing how to create it and being a Native American I will always have something to go home to and make. 2007 was when I decided to put all my energy and time into my business. To this day I still enjoy making and creating pieces that catch someone's eye or a piece that will be a special gift for that special someone.
Over the years my work has only gotten better with new ideas and using new tools. With the help of my children and partner we travel around Oklahoma attending art markets and Native American functions to sell my work. My appreciation for art will never be forgotten. Only hope my children take on and carry the talent and gifts that I'll teach them....
As a child born and raised on the Navajo reservation I grew to love and appreciate art. As a teenager I realized that I had a gift, winning in art contests and painting some of the largest pieces of art I have ever made. "You can never say you don't have a job or money..." my Mother use to tell me growing up. As a adult now with my own family I understood what she meant. Having a gift and knowing how to create it and being a Native American I will always have something to go home to and make. 2007 was when I decided to put all my energy and time into my business. To this day I still enjoy making and creating pieces that catch someone's eye or a piece that will be a special gift for that special someone.
Over the years my work has only gotten better with new ideas and using new tools. With the help of my children and partner we travel around Oklahoma attending art markets and Native American functions to sell my work. My appreciation for art will never be forgotten. Only hope my children take on and carry the talent and gifts that I'll teach them....
Artists
Needle-Felting
Julie Buchheim
Growing up in a military family, Julie moved from state to state every few years, until settling in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1992. She has always had an interest in nature, especially the different plants that she saw while traveling to a new destination.
Julie is self-taught in both jewelry-making and needle-felting. She discovered that creating art by stringing tiny glass beads in a pattern satisfied her attention to detail and patterns. She branched out into a more free-form expression of creativity by poking wool with a sharp needle to replicate natural elements, such as woodland animals, mushrooms, moss, stones, leaves, and flowers. Her business is called "Glass & Wool" to acknowledge the dichotomy of her creations.
Over the past fifteen years Julie's work has been offered at several gift shops in Tulsa and is currently available at Black Moth.
Julie is self-taught in both jewelry-making and needle-felting. She discovered that creating art by stringing tiny glass beads in a pattern satisfied her attention to detail and patterns. She branched out into a more free-form expression of creativity by poking wool with a sharp needle to replicate natural elements, such as woodland animals, mushrooms, moss, stones, leaves, and flowers. Her business is called "Glass & Wool" to acknowledge the dichotomy of her creations.
Over the past fifteen years Julie's work has been offered at several gift shops in Tulsa and is currently available at Black Moth.
